KUALA LUMPUR: Public transport users in the Klang Valley can expect more cashless payment options about two-and-a-half years after the open payment system is fully implemented across Prasarana Malaysia Bhd's rail network.
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook told the Dewan Rakyat today the open payment system is expected to be fully implemented within 30 months of its commencement.
The open payment system for bus services will roll out within 15 months of the initiative's commencement, he said.
While Loke did not state when the system would commence, the initiative is in the final stages of procurement and evaluation, with a decision expected by the end of this year.
He said the protracted timeline ensures Prasarana fully complies with its internal procurement procedures and SOPs to guarantee transparency and deliver optimal value to the government and public transport users.
"In line with these requirements, technical and commercial evaluations, as well as the relevant approvals, are being finalised before the contract is awarded.
“As soon as the project begins, its implementation will be carried out in phases," he said.
Loke said the open payment system will be used in 30% of train stations, 12 months after the initiative is rolled out.
"This initiative allows users to enjoy more modern, faster, and safer payment facilities using debit cards, digital wallets, and other electronic payment methods without relying on a single payment platform," he said.
He was responding to Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju), who asked for the timeline for the full implementation of the system for all public transportation services in the Klang Valley.
In a supplementary question, Zahir asked what caused the delay in the procurement process, pointing out that the Dewan Rakyat was told three years ago that the open payment system would be implemented for bus services by the end of 2024 and rail services by August 2025.
In response, Loke said that Prasarana carried out the procurement processes through its own procurement committee.
He also explained that the delay was because the first tender was not awarded.
"There is a pre-tender process, and that takes time," he said.